Enquiries

Christ Church Cathedral Restoration

Newcastle Anglican
Christ Church Cathedral undergoes a historic restoration
Featured Article
Christ Church Cathedral undergoes a historic restoration
Read More
info icon
About the project

Restoring an icon

Christ Church Cathedral is set to undergo a major restoration to protect and preserve the building for generations to come.

Over the next 18-months, the insurance-led restoration project will target repairing copper roofs that were damaged as a result of prolonged storm damage. 

Christ Church Cathedral is at the centre of our city’s iconic skyline and played a central role in Newcastle’s appointment as a city in 1847.

As a place of worship for over 190 years, the Cathedral was designed to serve the community and through this restoration, Christ Church Cathedral will continue to do so.

Scope of Work Scope of Work
“Postcard of [Christ Church] Cathedral, Newcastle, NSW, 1817″, from the Rodd Archive, held at University of Newcastle Special Collections.
Our History
“J Horbury Hunt’s sketch of Christ Church Cathedral, Newcastle, NSW, 21 May 1892”, by Ralph Snowball, Glass slide reproduction held at the University of Newcastle Special Collections.
Our History
“Construction of Christ Church Cathedral, Newcastle, NSW, 22 October 1900”, by Ralph Snowball, Glass slide reproduction held at the University of Newcastle Special Collections.
Our History
Our History
“Church of England Cathedral, Newcastle (Illustrated greeting card)”, 1928, from the Dr John Turner Archive, held at University of Newcastle Special Collections.
Our History
Our History
“Christchurch Cathedral, Newcastle Earthquake, 31 December 1989”, by Geoffrey Nicholls, University of Newcastle Special Collections.
Our History
default
Our History

Project Updates

Get updates on the progress of the restoration through our project journal.

View all entries
Historical Collection
A tribute to Newcastle’s long-standing history
22 September 2025
Read More
Community
Stitching together a legacy
22 September 2025
Read More
Construction
Christ Church Cathedral undergoes a historic restoration
22 September 2025
Read More
175
years of history
28
roofs
90
weeks of construction
8
stages
Scope of work

The work will target repairing copper roofs, the roof drainage system, repairing water-damaged fabric, and performing general maintenance to address wear and environmental factors affecting the Cathedral.

“Interior of Christ Church Cathedral, Newcastle, NSW, 7 February 1912”, by Ralph Snowball, Glass slide reproduction held at the University of Newcastle Special Collections. 
“Cathedral Church of Christ the King (Christ Church Cathedral), Newcastle, NSW", Glass slide reproduction from the R Cornish Archive, held at the University of Newcastle Special Collections.

External Roofs

Roofing works will be carried out first to ensure the waterproofing works are complete before washing occurs to the masonry. This will be followed by masonry repairs.

External glazing and masonry

External works will include masonry cleaning and repair to prolong the life of the Cathedral and repairing window damage.

Internal masonry and timber works

The internal restoration works focus on replacing damaged carpet in the Angel’s Gallery, internal window repairs, timber repair and cleaning.

Project Timeline

The history behind Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral has been a site of worship for more than 190 years. From the original Christ Church building to the Cathedral we know today, the building has seen many phases of life and has been built alongside Newcastle.

Original Christ Church built

In 1812 a temporary Church building was erected on the site of our current Cathedral. This was replaced in 1818 by a small building called Christ Church. Both buildings were convict-built with stone from Nobby’s Beach.

Christ Church named Cathedral

In 1847, the Diocese of Newcastle was formed and Christ Church, Newcastle, was assigned to Bishop William Tyrrell as his Cathedral Church.

Construction of the present Cathedral began with a design by John Horbury Hunt.

Following the coal boom and deterioration due to prolonged salt damage, Newcastle needed a larger place to hold the community. Thus, beginning the construction of the Cathedral, we know today. The Cathedral was built piece by piece for nearly 100 years.

Warrior’s Chapel completed to a design by F.G. & A.C. Castleden

The Warrior’s Chapel was added to the northeastern side of the Cathedral as a memorial to the men and women who lost their lives in the First World War. Here lies many tributes to World War I, including a bronze sculpture of an unnamed soldier, a wooden cross from the French battlefields and the Forster Lamp of Toc H Australia.

The Nave is raised

The raising of the nave was completed in line with Hunt’s original design. The base of the tower and additional detailing were also completed, complimenting Hunt’s design.

Cathedral Tower raised

The Cathedral Tower was added, finalising John Hunt’s original design for the Cathedral.

Earthquake repairs completed

On Thursday 28 December 1989, Newcastle was struck by a serious earthquake. The Cathedral was badly damaged. Restoration work began in 1995 to reinforce the walls and piers. The work was completed in 1997.

Roof restoration

As a result of extreme flood damage, critical repairs are being conducted to ensure this heritage-listed building is protected for generations to come.